Public School Hasn't "Made It" Yet

Public School’s Already Won 2 CFDA Awards, But They Haven’t “Made It”

When it comes to an award as prestigious as the Council of Fashion Designers of America Awards, the term "It's an honor to be nominated" is far from a trope. This one of the most prestigious recognitions a designer can receive. Yet, for the duo of Dao-Yi Chow and Maxwell Osborne — better know as Public School — who've already added two CFDAs to their résumé, they won't admit that they've "made it." And, don't expect much to change after Monday night's ceremony, in which they're nominated for another two.

The native New Yorkers' success has been meteoric. As menswear designers, they entered the CFDA Fashion Incubator in 2010 and won two awards in 2013 (CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund and the Swarovski Menswear of the Year). Then, the pair launched their women's collection in 2014 and just this spring, were named the successors and new creative directors of DKNY.

While their time in the industry may be short, their success is not just a flash in the pan. At least, that's the goal. "We don't think like we've made anything yet," says Osborne. In other words, even if these two do sweep the Awards tomorrow night and take home the CFDA for Menswear Designer of the Year and Swarovski Award for Womenswear, we ain't seen nothin' yet.